Type-writing machine.



B. C. STIGKNEYV TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

nrmcnmx rum) APBJJ, 1903.,

Patented Nov. 8,1910.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1. v

' WITNESSES H15 ATTORNEY- B. G. STICKNEY. TYPE WRITING MACHINE. nrmonron nun was, 1903.

Patented Nov. 8, 1910.

2 BKIIETB-SHBET 2.

\NVENTUR JLQWN.

WITNESSES Hus TTEIRNEY f .1'0 all whom 1' may concern:

Y UNITE TAT-Es PATENT OFFICE.

BURNHAM C. STICKNEY, OF ELIZABETH, NE\V JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO UNION TYPE- JERS Y.

Specification of Letters Patent. a lication filed April a,

Be it known that I, BURXHAM C. Srrcnwar, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Elizabeth, in the county of Union and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Typell'riting Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to typewriting machines, especially those of the front-strike class; and its objects are to provide means for locking the types in normal position, to improve the key touch, to enable the leverage of the keys upon the type-bars to be varied at will without at any adjustment 1 rendering the key touch unduly harsh, and

otherwise to improve the type-actions in construction and operation.

' My invention consists in certain features of construction and combinations of devices, which will hereinafter be fully set forth and particularly pointed out in the concluding claims.

cut in a segment 8,. and rest at their for- In the drawings forming part of this specification, Figure 1 is a new of one form of type-action made in accordance with my invention: Fig. '2 is a longitudinal vertical section of a front strike writing machine made in accordance with my invention one 30 type-action being shown in normal position,- and another when the type-bar is about.halfway between normal position and printing position. 'Fig. 3 IS a cross section taken gust;

forward of the sub-lever system. Fig. 4 is a view of a type-action in printin position. In the several views, like signs denote like parts.

The machine frame is of the usual type, comprising a base 1, corner posts 2 and a top-plate 3; and over the latter runs the usualcarriage, of which is shown the platen 4. Type-bars 5, which strike rearwardly against the platen, are pivoted at their rear ends upon a curved fulcrum rod 6, are mounted attheir rear ends in radial slots 7 ward ends u on a curved pad 9.

Horizonta levers 10, hearing at their forward ends keys 11, extend forwardly hencath the type-bars, and at their rear ends are provided with extended curved treads 12, which have a rocker motion upon an e tended horizontal plate or fulcrum mem- NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW TYPE-WRITING MACHINE.

Patented Nov. 8, 1910.

1903. Serial No. 151.845.

2 her 13. The latter is made adjustable so as f to vary the dip of the key-levers and alter l their purchase upon the type-bars to which i they are connected; and forthis purpose the plate is supported at its ends upon ribs 14 curved to coincide with the lever treads, and is pressed down upon said ribs by a l ribs by means of a thumb screw 16. W'hen the parts are in the position shown at Fig. 2, the purchase of the key-levers and their dip are greatest; and when the thumb screw is operated to press down the rear portion of the fulcrum-plate as far as it will go, the purchase of said levers upon the type-bars is least and the dip of the key is shortest.

' To the key-levers 10, about midway of their ends, I pivot at 17 th loweltends of a series of upstanding sub-levers of the first order, which are pivoted between their ends at 18 to the forward ends of a series of short fulcrum links, 19, the lower arms 20 of the sub-levers being preferably shorter than the upper arms 21 thereof, and the latter being connected at their upper ends by forwardly evtendilngr links 22 to the type-bars. the points of attachment of said links 22. to the sub-levers being indicated at 23. The fulcrum links 19 extend rarwardly from the sub-levers-and are pivoted at their rear ends upon a transverse rod 24:, which, is mounted upon a bar 25, the latter being slotted at 26 to receive the links. .It-will be noted that the suh-levers, which preferably stand in rear of the type-bars, are pivoted in line at their lower ends, while their upper ends grow progressively higher from the middle to the sides of the system, to "rec with the increasing elevations at which the type-bars are mountcdz' and accordingly .the fulcrum points 18 of the sub-levers are progressively raised to compensate for such increased lengths of the sub-levers: and-as this renders it necessary to' mount the fulcrum links 19 at gradually increasing elevations. the pivot rodll t and its bar 25 are curved accordingly, as seen at Fig. 3. The links 15) thus lie. in a curved run which as-cnds from the middle to the sides of the system.

7 10 is vibrated do\vnwardl v..its tread 12 rocking along the fulcrum plate 13. By the downward movement of said lever the sub spring 15, and may be rocked along said Upon the depression of a key. the'lever lever 20,21 is pulled bodily down in the general direction of its length, thereby viliratmg the fulcrum link 19. The latter is mounted to swin downwardly and rear-' wardly, and thereby causes the sub-lever to vibrate 'rearwardly about its point of connection 17 to the key-lever; and through the link 22 the type-bar is pulled up to print. Upon the relief of the key from pressure, the-parts are returned to normal position by adraw-spring 27. A set of these springs is hung in rear of the type-bars upon a straight transverse bar 27* bent up at its ends and secured by screws 28 to the top-plate; the lower ends of said springs being caught in the key-levers in proximity to th load oints 17 thereof, and forwardly of said cad points. i

' It will be seen that the link 1'.) stands normally at about a righ angle to the sublever 20, 21, and particularly to the lower arm 20 thereof which is pivoted to the keylever; that; this arrangement affords a dead centering of the parts and that because of this relation, said link, sub-lever and keylever are enabled to cooperate not only .to connect the key 11 to the type-bar, but also to lock the latter in normal position. It will a be understood that it is impossible, when the parts are in normal position, to actuate the sub-lever by means of the type-bar link 22, since a rearward thrust upon said link tends merely to swing the lower end of the sublever forward and its fulcrum portion backward, that is, in directions longitudinal of the key-lever 10 and the fulcrum link 19 respectively; and since these members are on dead centers and cannotmove longitudinally, no motion thereof can be produced by a thrust upon the link 22; and hence the type-bars, being unable to move the sublevers and keys, remain locked in normal position so that rebound of the type-bars from the basket is impossible, and the machine may be operated at high speed without clashing of the type-bars. it will also be understood that. since the point 18 at first moves dowmvardly, there is comparatiwly little vibration of the sub-lever 2t), 21, and hence but little motion of the typc-ba r. so that the latter is started in motion gradually.

thus improving the key touch. .-\t Fig. 2 it' sub-lever .20, 21; so that the advantages above set forth are substantially preserved even 'hen the dip'of the key is least.

'It vill beobservcd that the sub-levers float upon the-twoiindependcntly mounted movable supports 10 and 19 and for this reason the sub-levers in some instances are termed floating sub-levers: that each of the members 10 and 19 extends crosswise of the sub-lever: that the sub-lever arm 20 which pivoted to the key-"lever extends in the direction of movement of the latter; that. the kcylever guides the lower end of the sub-lever, the key-lever itself being prevented from endwise displacement. by. means of a notch 29 therein, which engages a rib ilfi provided upon the underside of the fulcrum plate 13. said rib being provided with level-guiding teeth 31; that the pivotal pointlS first moves substantially in the direction of movement of the key-lever 10 and then transversely to said direction, so as to vibrate the sublever, and that the link 19 is so proportioned and monnted'that said vibratory movement is accelerated throughout the printing stroke. .\t Fig. 4 it will be observed thatthe link 19 is nearly longitudinal of the sulrlever.

The preferred form of sub-lever is illustratcd at Fig. 1, in which the upstanding arm 2L of the lever is inclined forwardly from its point of connection 18 with the fulcrnm link it), thereby to cause the upper end of the lever at 23 to move remwardly in a nearly horizontal line, thus avoiding an unduc sinking movenu-nt of the rear ends of the links 22. .-\t this figure thc kcy-lcvcr 10 is illustrated as pivoted upon a simple fulcrum rod 32 of usual type.

The movements of the paper-carriage may be. controlled by the usual esca nnncnl wheel 33 and feeding dogs 34 and ilfhmonntcd upon a rocker 36, the latter having arms .37. from which depend links 33 which suspend a universal bar 3!) beneath the key-levers It); said rocker being also provided with the usual returning spring 10.

Variations may be resni'tml to within the scope. of my invention, and portions of m improrcnwnlsmaybe used without others.

it will be undcrsloml that. the kov-lcvms may converge in rear of the keyboard, to conform lo the width of the system of sublcvcrspivotml lhcrcto.

What l claim as new and desire to secure by l mllcrs latcnt. is:-

l. in a typcwriting machine, the combination of a series of type bars: a series of key operated lcvcrs; a series of sub-levers pivotcd lo the key npcl'ulcd levers; fulcrum links to which said sub-lovers arc pivoted;

and means for enabling said sub-levers to operate said type bars. said type bars. l'ul-- crnm links and key upclalcd lcvcrs being f -nat1on of a series of type bars. a series of 2. In a typewriting machine; the combination of a series of key operated lcVcl'S; a

series of floating sub-levers pivoted-to the key operated levers; a series of type bars connected to said sub-levers; and a series of movable devices connected to said subd'evers and to the framework of the machine. said movable devices. type bars and key operated levers being connected with said sub-levers at different points lengthwise of the latter,

' and the disposition of the parts being such 'position of the parts being such that there is that thercis a dead centering of the parts that. locks the type bars against rebound from their normal position.

3. In a typewriting machine, the combinatioirof a series of type bars; a series of key operated levers a series of sub-levers pivoted to the key operated levers; .fulernm links to which said sub-levers are pivoted: and actuating links connecting said sublevers to thetype bars, said actuating links, fulcrum links and key operated levers being connected with said sub-levers at 'ditl'erent. points lengthwise of the latter,v and the disa dead centering of the parts that locks the type bars against rebound from their normal position.

4. In a typewriting machine. 'the combikey-operated levers, a series of sub-levers mg of the parts that lock the type bar in its pivoted at one set of their ends to the keycperated levers, fulcrum links to which said sub-levers are pivoted. and links connecting the other set of sub-lever ends to said typebars.

5. In a froptwstrike writing machine. the combination of a series of rearwardly striking type-bars, a series of key-bearing levers, a series of snbdevers pivoted upon the keybearing levers and having upstanding arms which are. connected to the type-bars, and a series of fulcrum links upon which said sublevers are also p oted, the disposition of the parts being such that there is a dead centernormal position.

6. In a front strike writing machine. the combination of a series of rearvardly striking type-bars, a series'or' key-bearing levers, a serles of sub-levers whose lower ends 'are pivoted to the key-bearing levers, links connecting the. upper ends of said levers dilpctly to the type-bars. and fulcrum links \ipon which are ivoted said sub-levers between the ends or the latter.

7. In a front, strike writing machine. the combination of a series of rearwardly striking type-bars, a series of key-bearing levers extending forwardly beneath the type-bars. a series of sub-levers up--tanding in rear of the type-bars and. pivoted at their lower ends upon said key-bearing levers; fulcrum links to which said sub-levers are pivoted, and forwardlv extending links connecting the upper ends of said sub-levers to said type-bars. r

8. In a frontstrike writing machine. the combination of a series of rearwardly striking type-bars. a series of key-bearing levers extending forwardly beneath the type-bars. a series of sub-levers upstanding in rear of the type-bars and pivoted at. thei" lower ends upon said key-lwaring levers,- t'ulerum links to which said sub levers are pivoted, said fulcrum links extending rearwardly and being pivoted at their rear ends upon a fixed support, and forwardly cxtelnlinglinks connecting the upper ends of said sub-levers to said type-bars.

9. I11 a front strike writing machine, the combination of a series of rearwardly striking type-bars, a series of key-bearing levers extending forwardly beneath the type-bars, a series oI sub-leversupstanding in rear of the type-bars and pivoted at their lower ends to said key-bearing levers, ard fulcrum links to which said sub-levers are pivoted;

oted said sub-levers being connected at their upper ends to said type-bars, and also being shortest at the middle of the system and 01"110 progressively increasing lengths from the middle to the'sides of the systenn-and the series of fulcrum links being pivoted in a curve which ascends from the middle to the sides of the system.

'pendently mounted movable members upon which said shh-lever is' pivoted at different points lengthwise of Silld sub-lever, one of said independently mounted members being a fulcrum for said sub-lever, a key connected to the other of said independently mounted members, and means for connecting saidsub-lcver at. one. end to said type bar, the parts attaining a dead center position when m the normal position which prevents a r bound of the type bar from the normal position.

12. In a typewriting machine, the combicntly mounted members. and means for eonlever is pivoted between its ends. and means nation of a. type-bar, a. sub-lever, two indet iendentlv mounted para lel movable memiers upon which said sub-lever is pivoted at different; points lengthwise of said sub-lever. one of said independentlv mounted members being a fulcrum for said sub-lever. a key connected to the other of said independ necting said sub-lever at. one. end to said type bar: each of said imlepemlentl mountccl members QXl'tltlllltgcltrst'lfiu of said sublever, to att'ord a dead centering which prevents a rebound of the type bar from the normal position.

13. In a tvpewriting machine. the eombination of a type-bar. a l\'e v-opelatetl levcr.: sub-lever pivoted to said key-operated lever and connected to said type-bar. and a fulcrmn link upon which said sub-lever is pivoted; the sub-lever arm which is pivoted to said key-operated lever extending in the direction of movement of the latter, and said fulcrum link being so mounted as to cause the sub-lever to vibrate. when actuated by the liey-operated lever. and to prevent a rebouml of the type bar from the normal Ptsition.

]'-.t.- In a typewritir g machine. the combination of a type bar. a key-lever. a sub-lever connected to said t vpe-bar and pivoted upon said key-lever so as to be given a longitudinal movement. thereby at the initial portion of the key stroke, and a fulcrum link to which said snlrlever is pivoted and through which tnlerum link and its pivotal connection with the sub-lever said sulrlever is "iveu a vibrator) movement when actuated- )y the the lw v-lever, the sub-lever and link being dead centered when the parts are in normal position to prevent a rebound ol' the type bar from the normal position. 1

if. in a typewriting machine. the-emolunation with a type-bar, of a lever connected thereto, a fulcrum link upon which said guiding the same.

, Hi. In a front strike writing machine. the combination with a rezn'wardly strikin type-bar. of an upstanding lever. a link eonneetin; the upper end of said lever to said type-bar. a fulcrum link to which said lever is. pivoted between its ends, and meanl'or actuating said lever in a dowmvard direction and guiding its lower end.

ii. In a typewriting machine, the eonibination-of a type-bar. a. lever. means for connecting one end of said lever to said t vpe bar. a l'nlrrum link to which said lever is pivoted between its ends, and means For moving said lever bodily lengthwise and guiding its opposite end.

H. In a typeivriting machine the combilrlti n f a t vpe'bar, a lever, means for eonfor moving said lever longitudinally and Meeting one end of said lever to said typebar, a fulcrum link to which said lever is pivoted between its ends, and an operating member to which the oppositeend ofsaid lever is pivoted; said link normall staiid'- ing crosswise of said lever, and being proportioned and mounted to vibratle'sa id lever upon said operating member. 3' 19. l-n-a typewriting machinefthe combination of a type-bar, a' lever, means for connecting-one end of saigdever to said typebar. a fulcrum link to which said lever is pivoted between its: luli tllltl an operating member to which the opposite end 'of said leve pivoted; said link normally standin crosswise of said level. the construction an arrangqment of the parts being such that; tlu pivotal point of connection between said link and said lever first moves substantially in the direction of movement of said operating member and then transversely to said direction. so as to vibrate said lever.

20. in a typewriting machine, the combination of a t vpe'ba r. a lever, means for con- ,neeting one end of said lever to said typebar. a fulcrum link to which said lever is pivoted between its ends, and an operating member to which the opposite end of said lever is pivoted and which ett'eets a iongitndinal pull on-said lever; said link normallv standing crosswise of said lever, the construrtion and ar 'angement of the parts hein; such that toe pivotal point of connection between said fulermn link and said lever tirst moves substantially in the direction of movement of said operating member and then transver ely to said direction so as to vibrate said lever. and so that the vibratory mezement of d lever is aeele 'ated throughoutthe printing stroke.

:21. In a from strike writing machine, the eombinatiou of a series of rearwardly striking type-bars. a series of key-bearing levers, a series of snb-lev ms whose lower ends are pivoted to the key-bearing levers. links connecting the upper ends of said levers diret'tlv to the type-bars, and fulcrum links upon which are pivoted said sub-levers between the ends of the. latter; said fulcrum links extending about at. right. angles to said sub-levers, and being mounted to swing in a manner to eause the latter to vibrate upon aid la v-levers.

in a front strike writing machine, the

combination of a series of rearwardly st-riking t vpe-bars, a series of key-bearing levers extending forwardly beneath the type-bars; a series of snb-levers upstanding in rear of the type-bars and pivoted attheir lower ends upon said key-la-ariug levers, fulcrum links to which said sub-levers are pivoted, .-aid t'nlernm links extending rearwardly and being pivoted at their rear ends npon a lixed support, and forwardly extending links c iz-merting the upper ends of said'snblevers to said t vpehars; said fulcrum links extending about, at right angles to said sublevers, and being so piuited and of such by said kev-bearine' levers.

23. In a tv )ewritin machine. the combi nation of a type-bar, a key-operated lover. a sub-lever pivoted to said key-operated lever and connectedto said type-bar, and a fulcrum link to which said sub-lever is also pivoted, said key lever, sub-lever and fulcrum link being dead centered in the normal positions thereof-to resist rebound of the type bar so as to lock said type-bar in 1m!- mal position.

2.4. In aty-pewriting machine, the combination of a typedmr. a key-operated lever.

a sub-lever pivoted at one end to mid keyopm'at d lever and connected to said typebar. and a fulcrum link to which said sublever is also pivoted between its (Il(l.-; :=tli:i key-lever, sub-leverand fulcrum link being so related as to lock said type-bar in normal posit ion.

2.7. In a typewriting machine, the combi' nation of a series of typediars, a series of key-operated levers. a series of sub-levers pivoted-to the key-operated levers, fulcrum links to which said sub-levers are pivotedand means for enabling said sub-levers to operate the type-bars: said sulrlevers and -fulcrum links being dead centered in the normal positions thereof to resist rebound of the type bar so as to lock said type-bars in normal position. I v

:26. In a front strike writing machine. the combination of a s -ries of rearwardly striking type-bars, a so ies of lazy-bearing lever a series of sub-levers pivoted upon the keybearing levers and having upstamling arms which are connected to the type-bars, and a series of fulcrum links upon which said sub-levers are also pivoted; said key-operated levers, sub-levers and fulcrum links.

being dead centered in the normal positions thereof to resist rebound of the type bar so as; to locksaid type-bars in normal position.

27. In a frontstrike writing machine, the combination of a series of rearwardly striking t '.-'pe-bars, a series of key-bearing levers extending forwardly beneath the type-bars, a

series of sub-levers upstanding in rear of the type-bars and pivoted at their lower ends upon said key bearing levers, fulcrum links to which said sub-levers are pivotethsaid fulcrum links extemling warwardly and being,

' pivoted at their rear ends upon a fixed support. and fm-wardly extending links connecting the upper ends of said sub-levers to said type-bars: said fulcrum links cooperating with said key-levers to lock said type- -bars in normal position.

'28. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a type-bar, a sub-lever, two inde- I pendently mounted movable members upon which said sub-lever is pivoted at .dillercnt i points.lengthwise of said-sub-lever, one of said ilidqiendently mounted members tormmg a fulcrum for said sub-lever, a key connected to the other of said indepemh-ntlv mounted members, and means for counccting said sub-lever at one end to said type-bar; said sub-lever bein g so related to said two mdependently mounted members as to dead rebound of the type bar and thus lock said type-bars in normal position.

2%). In a typewriting machine, the combination oi" a type-bar, a key-operated lever, in .Hl)lt\(.'l pivoted to said loeyoperaterl I lever and connected to said tvpwbar, and a fulcrum link upon whi h said sub-lever is pivoted: the. sub-lever arm which is pivoted to said key-lever extendingsubstantiallv in lllt tlltttLlQll of movemcnt oti the luttcrjand said i'ulcrulu link being so mounted crosswise of said sub-lever as to cause the sublever to vibrate when actuated by the kerlever, and said key-lever, sub-lever and fillcrum link dead c| ntei'in; when in their normal position. v

ill). in a front strike writing machine, the combination of a series of rearwardly striking t vpc-bars, a series of key-la-aring levers extending, forwardly beneath the type'-bars, a series of sub-levers upstanding in rear of the type-bars and pivoted at their lower ends upon said lw bearinI; levers, fulcrum links to whi h said snlnlevers are pivoted,

and beiae pivoted at their rear ends upon a fixed support, and forwardly extending links connecting the upper ends of said sublevcrs to said type-bars; the upper arms of said sub-levers being inclined forwardly from their points of connection with said fulcrumdinks.

31. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a type bar; a key-operated lever, said lever having an extended tread,- an extended fulcrum member along which said tread has a rocking motion; means for effecting a relative adjustment of said tread and said fulcrum member so as to vary the purchase of said lever upon the type bar; and actuating means between said key-operated lever and said typ'e bar for causing the purchase of sail key-operatedlever upon the type-bar to decrease materially during the printing stroke, said actuating means including a link normally dead centered i against movement by the type bar and thus locks the type bar in normal position. y 32. In-a typewriting machine, the combination of a type-bar, a key-operated lever, said lever having an extended tread, an extended fulcrum member along which said tread has a rocking motion, means for efcenter when in its normal position to resistmal positions to lock said t\'|.c-b:\l' in nor-- said fulcrum links extending rearwardly fecting a relative a j m f said r d h ype-ban to decrnusu nmtcrinliy dm'iu" and said fulci'u n member so as to vary the E the printing troke. a

purchase f sgl ld lever upon the type-bar, Signedat the borough of Manhattan city v and Inc-ails, including a link which is nor- OQNEW York, in the'couuty of New i'urk l5 3.v mally maintained in dead centered pusition zuithbtate of XewYo'rk, this 7th Lifl" of against n'iovementby the type bar and thus April A. D, 1903. J locks the type-bar in normal position, and

a sub-lever pivoted to said key-lever and BURRHAM 'S fulcruniud upon said link, fqnconnecting 'itnesscs:

0 said lever to said type-bar and causing the K. V. Doxomx, purchase of said key-operated lever upon E. M. WELL 

